​Artistic Directors Meridith Benson & Mario de la Nuez lead the group of world-class instructors that make 

de la’s intensive a great experience in the art of dance. Our goal is to foster the physical, technical, mental, emotional, and artistic development of all students in small classes with plenty of individual attention. Classes are primarily taught by de la Directors and Staff, including School Director Jennifer Porteous Rutherford and featuring Angelina de la Nuez as a guest instuctor. This program is geared toward dancers who need a good training ground and desire smaller class sizes, personal attention, and a variety of dance forms. de la offers a unique blend of excellent training in a nurturing environment. We meet each individual dancer where they are.

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We work on the basics of the pointe technique, spending needed time at the barre doing basic relevés and strengthening exercises, to allow the dancer to move with strength and finesse. We teach the whole body approach to pointe work, working on proper alignment and placement.

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NOTE: Current Ballet 1 and Ballet 2 students at de la Dance Center are invited to participate in the full schedule of the program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, July 7 – July 23.

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This intensive is a four-week program that consists of a two-hour Ballet Technique class each morning, followed by classes such as Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Acting, and various educational seminars.

See Information Packets under Academy for the Summer Intensive 2026 Handbook.

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